So you're reiterating you think Putin's really just a lackey for the Russian Armed Forces and FSB and in the big picture, their Puppet. And all the over the top pomp and ceremony when he's about to make Tsar like appearances and proclamations in speaking to His People etc etc along with the long desks etc is all just smoke and mirrors and he's really not a big player in Russia at all. Who are the real heavy hitters and decision makers in the Military and FSB calling the shots Mick ? Please point me to them. Is it Putin appointee Gerasimov or Putin/Medvedev appointee Bortnikov ? Interesting theory Mick, but I wouldn't put money on it and I doubt you'd find too many 'Scholars' of Russia and its politics today or recent past agreeing with you.
